IDF says gunfire reported by UNIFIL yesterday was routine activity, not directed at UN troops

The IDF says gunfire incidents reported yesterday by UNIFIL in southern Lebanon occurred during routine operational activity and were not directed at UN personnel.

The military says that IDF forces were carrying out standard operational activity in southern Lebanon, during which “standard gunfire” was conducted. According to the IDF, troops identified several UNIFIL soldiers patrolling in the area prior to the gunfire and did not fire toward them.

The military stresses that it does not operate against UN forces and says it continues to act in full and ongoing coordination with UN representatives.

The incident, it adds, is under review.

The response follows UNIFIL’s statement yesterday that Israeli machine gun fire was heard in two separate incidents near the Blue Line, injuring one peacekeeper’s hearing, which prompted the force to accuse Israel of violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701.